West Michigan Alliance for Veterans
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans is a private foundation based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It supports the well-being of Michigan veterans and their families, including assistance related to food, housing, education, and other services.
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans at a glance
In short: West Michigan Alliance for Veterans gave $150K across 44 grants in 2024 (avg $3K), mostly in Michigan. Source: 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
- Annual giving (2024)
- $149,737
- -25.9% vs 2023
- Grants made (2024)
- 44
- -10.2% vs 2023
- Average grant
- $3,403
- -17.5% vs 2023
- Median grant
- $2,375
- Total assets
- $247,553
- -47.7% vs 2023
- Primary geography
- Michigan (100% of itemized 2024 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990-PF, 2024 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990-PF, 2024; updated October 2026.
How to apply to West Michigan Alliance for Veterans
- Accepts unsolicited proposals
- Yes
- How to Apply
-
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests from veterans seeking assistance and organizations supporting veterans with project funding. Applicants can submit an online grant request; the foundation says it will follow up about any additional information needed. Military service must be verified, and financial need is assessed through a review of financial records, such as financial-aid information and tax returns. The board may interview applicants and votes to approve or reject each application. **Deadline:** None.
- Contact
Application contact: Tammi Arends
Mailing address: PO Box 311, Sparta, MI 49345
Phone: (616) 888-6400
Email: info@wma4v.org
Website: https://wma4v.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Who West Michigan Alliance for Veterans funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 7 recipients in 2024
The largest 2024 recipient was West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Food Bank ($26K). Together the top 7 received $41K.
Organizations only. It also paid 37 grants to individuals ($109,000), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
120 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 120 grants of 120 (100%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
The foundation’s stated purpose centers on Michigan veterans and their families, and its website describes its work as benefiting veterans and families in West Michigan. All 2024 grant dollars went to recipients in Michigan.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2024 grant dollars across all 44 itemized grants.
Cities
How West Michigan Alliance for Veterans gives
- Giving grew 35% from 2021 to 2024. Method
- In 2024 it paid out well above its IRS minimum distribution (the 5% rule). Method
From the foundation's IRS Form 990-PF filings. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2021 to 2024, annual grant giving ranged from $111K (2021) to $202K (2023). In 2024 it made 44 grants totaling $150K.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Food Bank Grand Rapids, MI | West Michigan alliance for veterans provided funds to the West Michigan veterans assistance program food bank for the purchase of food. The food bank ensures no veteran that has fallen on hard times is left behind when it comes to the basic need of food and children's needs. The program provides food and personal care items to veterans and their families. | $25,637 |
| Hero's Corner Kentwood, MI | West Michigan alliance for veterans provided funds to hero's corner. The mission of hero's corner is to be a sober drop in a stress-free help zone on a weekly basis to create a place where veterans feel at home. | $7,000 |
| 37 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $109,000 |
| Armed Forces Thanksgiving Grand Rapids, MI | West Michigan alliance for veterans provided funds to the armed forces thanksgiving. The mission of the armed forces thanksgiving is to raise awareness and dialogue on the contributions our military personnel have made while providing an invaluable educational opportunity for high school students. | $2,500 |
| Joshua Camp Allendale, MI | Assist qualifying veterans with rent of mortgage payments while they attend college full time to further their career or start a new career through college courses at an accredited higher education institute or trade school certification or program. | $2,000 |
| Spenser Logan School Big Rapids, MI | Assist qualifying veterans with rent of mortgage payments while they attend college full time to further their career or start a new career through college courses at an accredited higher education institute or trade school certification or program. | $2,000 |
| Next Step of West Michigan Grand Rapids, MI | West Michigan alliance for veterans provided funds to next step of West Michigan. The mission of next step of West Michigan is to foster a community where all individuals, regardless of background or life circumstances, find belonging and hope through work. | $1,000 |
| Kent County Veterans Treatment Court Grand Rapids, MI | West Michigan alliance for veterans provided funds to Kent county veterans treatment court. The veterans treatment court works to give troubled veterans the treatment and care they need to once again live as a productive citizens. | $600 |
Ready to take the next step with West Michigan Alliance for Veterans?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Qualifying Distributions | Net Investment Income | Distributable Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $247,553 | $5,253 | $231,254 | $149,737 | 44 | $183,604 | $402,842 | $10,912 |
| 2023 | $473,534 | $80,936 | $288,314 | $202,159 | 49 | $232,318 | $267,182 | $28,905 |
| 2021 | $809,199 | $97,216 | $158,193 | $111,207 | 27 | $111,207 | $144,832 | $54,294 |
Under IRS private-foundation payout rules, West Michigan Alliance for Veterans reported a distributable amount of $11K for 2024 — the minimum it must pay out in qualifying distributions.
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
The organization’s stated purpose is to provide for the well-being of Michigan veterans and their families, aiding their comfort, education, and welfare in areas not provided for by state or federal agencies.
Its described activities include funding food and personal care items for veterans and their families through the West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Food Bank, supporting a retreat for veterans, and assisting with veterans’ home repairs. The website says the Veterans Housing Assistance Program—which helped qualifying veterans with rent or mortgage payments while they attended college full time—has been retired.
Among its 2024 grantees, Next Step of West Michigan received $1,000. The grantee describes its mission as employing people coming out of prison or rehab and providing a supportive community to help them enter the workforce, regain hope, and create a better future.
Grantmaking
In 2024, the foundation reported 44 grants totaling $149,737. Awards ranged from $500 to $25,637, with a median grant of $2,375. The largest listed award was $25,637 to the West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Food Bank for food purchases. Hero’s Corner received $7,000 to support its weekly sober drop-in space for veterans.
Several listed grants went to individual veterans to help with rent or mortgage payments while they attended college full time or pursued accredited trade-school programs. The listed awards included amounts from $4,500 to $6,000.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2024 filing lists Margaret E. Potter as director, president, and secretary; Barbara Gordon, Larry Robson, and Steve Waltman as directors; and Tammi Arends as executive director and treasurer.
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans is led by Tammi Arends, Executive Director & Treasurer since 2024 (on filings since 2021); 1 of 5 officers listed in 2024 is compensated.
Officers on the 2024 filing
Tammi Arends
Executive Director & Treasurer
Executive Director → Executive Director & Treasurer, 2024
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
$33K (2021) → $41K (2024)
Margaret E. Potter
Director, President & Secretary
On filings since 2021
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Gordon
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Larry Robson
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Waltman
Director
On filings since 2021
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (2)
- Former: George Gordon (2021) — Director
- Former: Michelle Hanks (2021) — Director & Treasurer
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2021–2024. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2024 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2024 filing was $41K, to Tammi Arends (Executive Director & Treasurer).
Frequently asked questions about West Michigan Alliance for Veterans
How much does West Michigan Alliance for Veterans give each year?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans gave $150K across 44 grants in 2024, according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. In 2023 it gave $202K across 49 grants.
What is West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's typical grant size?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's median grant in 2024 was $2,375, and its average grant was $3,403, across 44 grants on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF.
Where does West Michigan Alliance for Veterans give grants?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans gives mostly in Michigan: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Grand Rapids, MI (4 grants).
Does West Michigan Alliance for Veterans give general operating support?
Not in 2024: none of the 44 grants with a stated purpose on West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's 2024 IRS Form 990-PF were described as general or operating support.
Who are West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's largest grantees?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's largest 2024 grantees include West Michigan Veterans Assistance Program Food Bank ($25,637), Hero's Corner ($7,000) and Armed Forces Thanksgiving ($2,500), according to its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It also paid 37 grants to individuals ($109,000), which are not listed by name. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2024 grant dollars.
How large is West Michigan Alliance for Veterans?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans reported $248K in total assets on its 2024 IRS Form 990-PF. It paid out $184K in qualifying distributions that year, against a required minimum of $11K (roughly 5% of its investment assets).
What does West Michigan Alliance for Veterans fund?
The organization’s stated purpose is to provide for the well-being of Michigan veterans and their families, aiding their comfort, education, and welfare in areas not provided for by state or federal agencies. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from West Michigan Alliance for Veterans?
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests from veterans seeking assistance and organizations supporting veterans with project funding. Eligibility and process details are in the grantmaking section of this profile. See how to apply ↑
What is West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's EIN?
West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 81-1491775. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2021–2024.
Does West Michigan Alliance for Veterans accept unsolicited proposals?
Yes, according to Grantable's research on the foundation's published guidelines. See how to apply ↑
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990-PF filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(1)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2021–2024
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). West Michigan Alliance for Veterans funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 4, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/west-michigan-alliance-for-veterans-morg_fd0c4629d5cb4effa9e7d25a9644a7e5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_811491775_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{West Michigan Alliance for Veterans funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/west-michigan-alliance-for-veterans-morg_fd0c4629d5cb4effa9e7d25a9644a7e5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-04. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from West Michigan Alliance for Veterans's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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